On Writing

Written by on in Tidbits and Treats

Happy Saturday!

The sun has decided to shine – at least for now – and is giving me the inspiration I need to clean my apartment so that I can get some fresh air exercise. 😉

I have a foodless post for you today, but I could not be more excited to share this news.

It has been yet another crazy, productive week. The highlight was Bobby and my Thursday night date, which I alluded to earlier. Thanks to LivingSocial we were able to score an amazing opportunity to see Water for Elephants, complete with free drinks and appetizers!

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The movie was phenomenal. I am a firm believer in reading the book before seeing the film version. Sometimes, this proves disappointing because they change the ending or alter the details too significantly. Though there were definitely a few plot deviations, I thought overall the movie was a lot like the book and both Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon portrayed their characters beautifully. I would love to see it a second or third time. 😉

Watching a book brought to life on screen is always thrilling for me. Not only because it provides a physical look at the imagery that have already been circling through my head while reading, but also because I love imagining what it’s like for the author to see their published work turned into a blockbuster. While I don’t think the goal of novel writing is to get a movie deal, I think we can all agree that it is compliment to have the opportunity.

A few days ago, I wrote about writing (ha) on Pursuing Our Passion. Though I won’t re-post the entire thing here, I do have some exciting news that I’ve been wanting to share with all of you!

What follows is an excerpt from the post:

Blogging has helped me document in vivid detail some of the most meaningful moments of my life.

Blogging has helped me become a better brainstormer, editor and all around writer.

Most importantly, blogging gave me a voice. An opportunity to be a thought leader. A chance to become a part of and grow a community, while encouraging others to join in, too.

It’s also what has helped me find the courage to take on my next big challenge.

I’ve decided to pour my nighttime, post-working-hours soul into TheNextBigAuthor.com this May.

There is a story that I want to tell and I have yet to find a more social way to tell it than this.

Now I just need you, my blog friends (“blends”) and family, to keep me accountable. When May begins, I will be giving my all to this project – and I intend to blog about my progress. I look forward to keeping you in the loop and hearing your feedback once my story is revealed!

***

I am both excited and terrified about this contest. On the one hand, I feel as though I’ve been wanting to write this story for more than a year. On the other, it scares me to finally do something so public, subject to scrutiny outside my own.

As a result, I finally allowed Bobby to take a look at the notes, ideas and excerpts I’ve compiled to date. I was so nervous that I couldn’t even be in the same room with him while he was reading.

Then I heard him laugh. Of course that drove me crazy, so I ran in to see what was so funny.

Turns out, he had read something that was supposed to be funny. A written thought that resonated with him and had him nodding his head as if to say, “yes, I know exactly what you are talking about.”

This simple action boosted my confidence and motivation more than he knows. It is one of the things I love most about reading — the moment when I connect with the author’s words on a personal level, as if she is putting words to something that I have always believed, but never knew how to express.

I feel more prepared than ever for May 1 to arrive and I intend to share my progress with all of you. It has been my dream to become an author since I was very young. My goal for this year is to take every step possible toward making it a reality. I am not naïve enough to think it’s going to be an easy road — and I know that there will be plenty of criticism and rejection along the way. But this comes with the territory and anything you want badly enough is worth fighting for.

Just ask Jacob Jankowski. 😉 Or better yet, Sara Gruen.

Abrazos,

22 Comments

  1. I am so glad you told me to read this book! It’s literally what I did from 7 am this morning until about a half hour ago. I haven’t finished a book cover to cover in one morning for years! It was an amazing escape from our crazy lives lately, and I can’t wait to see the movie with you!

    Even more importantly, I can’t wait for the book (and movie) release of the novel you’re writing. I know with every fiber in my being that you will be a published author – and much sooner than later! It’s a title you were born to hold!

  2. I’m so glad you decided to do this! I’m behind you all the way and I’ll definitely try to help keep you accountable. Oh, except when I drag you out to happy hour this summer. 🙂

  3. Now I got to read the book. I have it sitting around for ages and have not bothered to read it.

    Can’t wait to read your book!!!!!!!!

  4. oh my gosh! You’re going to rock this. I can’t wait to read more. And you know we’ll be here to hold you accountable & cheer you on!! I want to see that movie- I <3 Reese. Enjoy your weekend & the weather

  6. Jenny,
    I am thrilled to hear your committment to your goal. Today is the 80th anniversary of your grandma’s birth. I see so much of her grace and goodness in you. It is beautiful to read her writing and think about her passion for the written word as you set forth on your goal. I can just see the pride on her face!
    All the best to you. L

    • Thank you so much for this, Laura. It means the world to me and I remember her writing well — everything from birthday cards to random musings. I truly appreciate the support and well wishes. Can’t wait to swap stories with Natalie!

  12. […] desire to write professionally was way back in April 2009. I touched on it again this year when I wrote about my journey with The Next Big Author contest. Since then, I have been reading books about writing nonstop. I know that sounds counterintuitive, […]

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